Should I Buy It Online?

Find out which items to buy on the Web and which to buy in-store

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I recently bought a jewelry box on the Internet and was stunned when a huge box arrived at my door—it was the size of a small child! Looks like some household products are still best picked out in person. Home maven Angela Matusik, founder of home decorating website Shelterrific. com, tells us which items to schlep to the store for.

Pillows
Never trust a pillow by its picture. Whether decorative or for sleeping, always feel it—and read the tag to make sure it's stuffed with what you think it is.

Couches, loveseats and chairs
"Never buy a couch or chair unless you've sat on it," says Matusik. "You spend a lot of time there, so it needs to fit your body."

Lamps
Go to the store and try a bulb in the lamp before you buy. "We accidentally bought one that makes the house look moody, like a disco," she says.

Dinnerware
"Flatware is one of those things you should always handle before you buy," says Matusik. "It's easy to end up with soup spoons as big as serving spoons, and serving plates that look like dessert plates."